California Energy Commission Makes a Big Move to End Gas Use in Buildings

Sacramento, CA- Today, the California Energy Commission (CEC) laid out an historic path to clean, healthy buildings by unanimously approving the update to the 2018 Integrated Energy  Policy Report (IEPR). This statewide policy report lays out recommendations on a broad range of topics that will require action if California is going to meet its climate and clean air goals without compromising energy reliability or affordability for consumers.

The top priority policy reforms identified by the Commission in the report, and supported by the Sierra Club, include the need to develop:

1. Zero-emission building goals for new construction;

2. A strategic inter-agency plan to cut building sector emissions 40% by 2030; and,

3. Funding mechanisms to help Californians transition from gas to electric appliances.

Rachel Golden, Senior Campaign Representative for the Sierra Club’s My Generation Campaign issued the following statement:

“This is a big deal. The passage of this statewide report comes just six months after former Gov. Brown signed SB 100 into law and issued an executive order to put California on the path toward a future free of fossil fuels. The IEPR is yet another example of California’s regulators proving that they know we must act quickly to cut greenhouse gas emissions, including accelerating use of clean energy inside our homes and businesses. Today’s decision is the beginning of a major transition toward healthy zero-emission homes and buildings that are powered with clean energy.”